BULIMIA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR BULIMIA?
If you suffer from bulimia nervosa, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Bulimia is a serious mental health disorder that affects both your mind and your body. It can make it hard to work, keep a job, or even take care of yourself.
According to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), it is estimated that 1.5% of American women and about 0.5% of American men will have bulimia nervosa at some point in their lives. That means that over 4 million Americans are affected by this disorder.
To put it in perspective, bulimia is one of the most common eating disorders in the United States. It is especially common among teens and young adults. But it can affect people of any age, gender, or background. Despite how common it is, many people suffer in silence because of shame or fear of judgment. For this reason, education, treatment, and support are important to help those with the disease.
At our SSD law firm, we help people with mental health conditions like bulimia get the disability benefits they need. This post explains what bulimia is and how it qualifies as a disability. We will also explain how to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits.
WHAT IS BULIMIA NERVOSA?
Bulimia nervosa is a mental health condition. People with bulimia often binge eat large amounts of food and then try to get rid of it by throwing up or using laxatives. They may also exercise too much in order to lose weight. This cycle of binging and purging can cause health problems.
For example, it can lead to heart problems. You could also experience electrolyte imbalances and other mental issues, such aa anxiety. Many people with bulimia also suffer from other mental disorders like OCD and PTSD.
When you have bulimia, you binge and purge the food that you eat. Many people with bulimia also restrict their eating during the day. This can lead to a cycle of more binge eating and purging. This is very different than anorexia.
During these binge eating and purging episodes, you eat a large amount of food in a short time. Then, you try to rid yourself of the extra calories by throwing up. Because of the intense fear of gaining weight, a person with bulimia may force themselves to vomit. Bulimia can become an eating disorder that threatens your life. You may not be able to retain the nutrients you need to be healthy.
CELEBRITIES WHO HAVE STRUGGLED WITH BULIMIA
Several public figures have shared their personal battles with bulimia in an effort to raise awareness around eating disorders. Their discussions help others understand that bulimia is a serious condition that can affect anyone, regardless of fame, success, or background.
Princess Diana was one of the first public figures to speak openly about her struggle with bulimia. In interviews, she explained how the pressures of royal life started the onset of her eating disorder. Her honesty helped break the silence around mental health and eating disorders in the 1990s.
Singer Demi Lovato has also talked about living with bulimia. Demi tells others to focus on getting professional help and working on recovery one day at a time.
Actress Jane Fonda also revealed that she dealt with bulimia for years. Her struggle began in her teenage years. She eventually sought therapy for the disorder. She has spoken publicly about how difficult it was to break free from bulimia.
You are just as important as these famous people. Therefore, you should follow their example and get treatment. Then, talk to others about how to overcome their bulimic behaviors.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR BULIMIA
Treatment for bulimia usually involves a team approach. Your team should include doctors and therapists. The team goal is to help you stop the cycle of binging and purging. It is also to learn healthy ways to cope with emotions and stress.
Therapy is often the most effective treatment. Some people may also take medications to help with anxiety or depression that often come with bulimia. In more serious cases, treatment may include time in a hospital or eating disorder treatment center.
Getting treatment is important not just for recovery, but also for your SSD case. The SSA wants to see that you have tried to get help. If you are still unable to work even with treatment, then that can help prove your case for disability benefits.
GLP-1 RECEPTOR MEDICATIONS
One promising treatment for bulemia involves the use of GLP-1 receptor drugs, such as Ozempic. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes and obesity management, this form of medication has the potential to reduce eating behaviors associated with bulimia.
The medications work by reducing the desire to eat, which may decrease the frequency of binge episodes. However, it’s important to note that the medications work for some people. Others, however, report adverse effects, including making the eating behaviors worse. Therefore, medical professionals exercise caution when giving these drugs, especially to those with a history of eating disorders.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
Another approach is the development of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs. CBT offers self help interventions designed to reduce eating disorder symptoms. Many report that CBT programs help decrease bulimia symptoms. This suggests that CBT can be used along with traditional talk therapy.
HOW TO APPLY FOR SSDI AND SSI BENEFITS
Qualifying for SSD benefits means your eating disorder prevents you from working at all jobs. The SSA uses a five step review process to decide if they can pay you benefits. Applying for SSDI and SSI benefits can be a difficult process, especially if you have bulimia. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the SSD application process easier.
First, you can apply for SSDI and SSI benefits on the Social Security’s website. There, you will have the ability to fill out the SSA’s application. You can easily answer the SSA’s questions online. If you don’t have access to a computer, then you can call the Social Security Administration’s toll free number at 800.772.1213. They can help you apply for benefits over the phone.
Additionally, the SSA can send you a paper application in the mail. You can also download the application forms from SSA’s website. Finally, you can go into the local SSA office to complete forms. But, you will first need to make an appointment. The SSA no longer provides services to people who walk into their offices.
Finally, the application experts at our law firm can help you complete your application for SSDI and SSI benefits. We can also help you complete any appeal forms you may receive later. Hiring an attorney at the outset of your case is a smart idea. We have years of experience filling out SSA’s complex paperwork. You want it done right from the beginning.
WHAT INFORMATION DOES THE SSA NEED TO GRANT MY DISABILITY CASE?
The SSA does recognize mental health conditions as a reason to award disability benefits. To qualify, you must prove that your bulimia is severe. It must also keep you from working for over one year. The SSA will want to see medical records, treatment notes, hospital records, and statements from doctors or therapists.
They will also look at how your condition affects your daily life, not just your ability to work. For example, if your symptoms make it hard for you to focus and get along with others, then that can impact your ability to work. Information from your counselor or doctor that discusses your symptoms will support your claim.
The SSA awards benefits if your condition meets or equals a listing. To find you disabled under the listing, there must be support from your medical records. The SSA will look at the impact of all of your conditions, both mental and physical. They look at the overall impact of your conditions on your ability to work 40 hours a week.
BULIMIA MEETS LISTING 12.13 IN THE SSA BLUE BOOK
Bulimia qualifies for disability benefits under Social Security’s Listing 12.13, which covers eating disorders. To meet this listing, you must show that your bulimia causes serious problems in your daily life.
For example, you might have trouble thinking clearly, keeping up with hygiene or handling stress. All of these issues occur with bulimia. The Social Security Administration will look at whether you’ve had a hospital stay and if your symptoms continue even with treatment. If your medical records show that your bulimia stops you from working, then you may meet the requirements of Listing 12.13.
Listing 12.13 Eating disorders with both A and B:
- Medical records of a persistent alteration in eating or eating related behavior that results in a change in consumption or absorption of food and that significantly impairs physical or psychological health.
AND
- Extreme limitation of one, or marked limitation of two, of the following areas of mental function:
- Understand, remember, or apply information.
- Interact with others.
- Concentrate, persist, or maintain pace.
- Adapt or manage oneself.
WHAT IF YOUR BULIMIA DOESN’T MEET THE SSA LISTING?
Can you still win SSDI and SSI benefits if your bulimia doesn’t meet the SSA listing?
The answer is yes. There are a number of ways to still win benefits, even if your medical condition doesn’t meet a listing.
For example, you may equal a listing by adding mental conditions together. For example, you could combine bulemia, anxiety, and OCD. When you combine the conditions, the symptoms are as severe as meeting a listing. Therefore, arguing that you equal a listing is another way to win benefits.
Additionally, even if you don’t meet or equal an SSA listing, you can also win benefits by proving you cannot work at your past job or any other job. The SSA will look at your residual functional capacity (RFC) to determine if you can work your past job or any other job. If you cannot work at any job in the national economy, then you will win SSD benefits.
The SSA will use the Medical Vocational Guidelines in your case if you don’t meet a listing. They look at your age, education, work experience, along with your RFC, to see if you qualify for benefits. The older you are, the less likely you are to be able to find a new job. Therefore, the SSA takes your age into account when they apply the GRID rules to your case.
OUR LAW FIRM CAN REPRESENT YOU WHERE YOU LIVE
Our SSDI attorneys want to help you win your benefits. We represent clients throughout the Western United States. We have offices in Salt Lake City, Utah. Also, we have an office location in Las Vegas, Nevada. We have clients in Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Colorado and California. Learn about Utah SSD information. Also, we have Nevada SSD benefits information and Idaho SSDI benefit information. Discover which cities we serve.
The majority of Social Security claims are usually denied within three to four months of filing the application. Most people don’t understand why the SSA denies their claim. However, the SSA denies over 80% of applications. After their first denial, most people realize they need to hire an attorney to win their SSDI benefits for bulimia.
Our main office is in Salt Lake City, Utah. But, will travel to the city where you live. Find out about Nevada SSDI benefits. Learn about California SSDI benefits. We also have clients in Boise, Idaho and Denver. Also, you can learn about Colorado SSDI benefits.
When we travel, it is at no cost to you. If we don’t win your SSDI and SSI benefits, then you don’t owe an attorney fee. We can help you. Even if you don’t have any money to hire a lawyer. Learn about our law firm’s Social Security attorneys. Put our legal experience to work for you. Hire us to win benefits for bulimia.
